Anthurium King of Spades vs Ace of Spades: A Comparison Guide

Disclosure: As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Please note that while we always strive to provide 100% up to date and accurate information, there is always the small possibility of error. Therefore, we advise conducting further research and due diligence before consuming any plants or exposing pets to anything mentioned on this site. Kindly refer to the full disclaimer for more details here.

Sharing is caring!

Anthurium, a popular tropical plant genus, boasts a variety of stunning hybrid species. Among these hybrids, two particularly eye-catching varieties are the Anthurium King of Spades and the Anthurium Ace of Spades. Both plants share similar traits, such as being part of the same genus and showcasing velvety leaves, but they also possess distinct differences that make them unique in their own right.

The Anthurium King of Spades is a compact houseplant, typically growing to around 2-2.5 feet in height, making it an attractive and manageable addition to any indoor space. Its leaves stretch to about 2 feet, and the plant is known for being a relatively fast grower. In contrast, the Anthurium Ace of Spades is a larger, more dramatic plant, capable of reaching up to 4 feet in height. This hybrid is an ideal centerpiece plant, with its heart-shaped leaves adding a touch of elegance and flair to any area.

When comparing these two regal Anthurium hybrids, it’s essential to consider their individual characteristics, including size, growth rate, and appearance, to determine which one is best suited to your home or personal preferences. Regardless of which plant you choose, both the King and Ace of Spades are sure to make a statement and enhance the beauty of their surroundings.

Anthurium King of Spades and Ace of Spades Overview

Origins and Characteristics

Anthurium, a large genus of flowering plants, belongs to the Araceae family, with over 800 to 1,000 species and man-developed variants. Southwestern Colombia and Ecuador, specifically the tropical rainforests, are the native habitats of these plants. Two popular Anthurium varieties are the King of Spades and the Ace of Spades.

Anthurium King of Spades is an elegant, regal plant often called the “Plant Fit for Royalty” due to its distinctive appearance. On the other hand, the Anthurium Ace of Spades has beautiful dark green, heart-shaped leaves with a velvety texture that make it an attractive addition to indoor plant collections.

Both plants have the fascinating characteristic of changing the leaf color according to their growth stages. In the Anthurium Ace of Spades, the leaves start as red during their vegetative stage. They then transition to bronze before finally turning dark green when they mature, while new leaves display silver-white venation against the deep green foliage.

Growing Conditions

Both Anthurium King of Spades and Ace of Spades enjoy a well-lit environment. However, they prefer avoiding direct sunlight as it can damage their delicate leaves. Position them near a window or under grow lights if providing them with an indoor space. Additionally, maintaining temperature between 65°F and 80°F is ideal for these plants.

As for watering, the Anthurium King of Spades typically requires 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when placed in a 5.0-inch pot without direct sunlight. It is essential to keep the soil uniformly moist but not wet. A well-draining potting mix is necessary for preventing the roots from rotting.

Anthurium plants, including both King of Spades and Ace of Spades, need proper humidity levels to flourish. Aim to maintain the humidity around 60% to ensure they grow healthy leaves and blooms. You can achieve this by placing a tray of water with pebbles near the plant or by using a humidifier.

In conclusion, with proper care, both Anthurium King of Spades and Ace of Spades can thrive and add their unique beauty to your indoor or outdoor plant collection.

Caring for Anthurium King of Spades

Watering and Humidity

Anthurium King of Spades appreciates consistent watering to keep the soil slightly moist. It requires around 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when not exposed to direct sunlight. Since it thrives in high humidity, it’s essential to provide additional humidity through methods like placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles or using a humidifier.

Soil and Fertilizer

While caring for Anthurium King of Spades, ensure that you use the right soil mix. A good suggestion is to use a light orchid potting mix with additional elements like pine bark to make it more coarse and less compacted. For nourishing your plant, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every month during the growing season. Be sure to reduce the feeding frequency during the colder months.

Pruning and Repotting

Pruning your Anthurium King of Spades prolongs its life and maintains its appearance. Cut away any yellowing or dead leaves, and remove spent flowers periodically. When repotting, choose a container larger than its current pot and use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot.

By following these care guidelines and closely monitoring your Anthurium King of Spades, you’ll be able to provide a healthy environment for your plant to grow and flourish.

Caring for Anthurium Ace of Spades

Watering and Humidity

The Anthurium Ace of Spades loves a moist environment, so it’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure to use a well-draining pot to prevent water from stagnating.

Humidity is another crucial factor for this plant’s well-being. Maintain a relative humidity of around 60-80% by placing the pot on top of a tray that is filled with water and pebbles or using a humidifier. Also, you can regularly mist the leaves to keep them clean and raise the humidity levels in the plant’s surroundings.

Soil and Fertilizer

A well-draining soil mix is vital for the health of your Anthurium Ace of Spades. A good choice would be a light orchid potting mix combined with pine bark to improve its texture and prevent compaction.

Fertilizing your Anthurium Ace of Spades is crucial for its growth and flowering. Use a watered-down, balanced liquid fertilizer on a regular basis 4-6 weeks during the growing season. An organic-rich matter in the soil is also beneficial, as mentioned on Plantly.

Pruning and Repotting

Regular pruning helps maintain your Anthurium Ace of Spades’ appearance and health. Remove yellow or dead leaves and spent flowers using sharp, sanitized scissors. This practice will encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy.

Repotting your Anthurium Ace of Spades should happen every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot. Choose a pot that is one size larger and has proper drainage holes. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, checking for any damaged or dead roots. Trim them away before placing the plant in a new pot with fresh soil mix. This process encourages healthy growth and ensures your Anthurium Ace of Spades continues to thrive.

Comparing King of Spades and Ace of Spades

Appearance and Size

The Anthurium King of Spades is a regal plant known for its velvety leaves adorned with delicate, contrasting venation. Its leaves are large and dark green, providing a rich and royal appearance. On the other hand, the Anthurium Ace of Spades features mature leaves that change to a dark green shade, contributing to its evergreen characteristic and keeping its appearance fresh all year round12.

Both plants have similar sizes. The King of Spades can grow up to 2 feet wide and 2.5 feet long3, while the Ace of Spades can achieve a similar size with proper care4.

Ease of Growth

Both Anthurium plants require soil mixes that are well-draining and coarse in texture, allowing for proper circulation of air and water. For King of Spades, a light orchid potting mix can be used with some additions to make it coarser, such as pine bark1. For Ace of Spades, a well-draining potting soil would be suitable3.

In terms of light requirements, both plants prefer bright shade living conditions3. Managing humidity and temperature is important, too, as they thrive in high humidity environments and warm temperatures3.

Blooming and Foliage

The King of Spades is primarily known for its stunning foliage, but it is not as famous for its blooms. Its velvety leaves and delicate venation are what make it a visual standout in a garden or indoor setting5.

The Ace of Spades, on the other hand, is an evergreen plant that maintains its vibrant foliage all year long. Its leaves remain green and new, while older leaves gradually drop off one by one, not all at once2. This ensures that the plant constantly displays a fresh and appealing look throughout the year.

Overall, both Anthurium King of Spades and Ace of Spades offer unique and attractive foliage that adds a touch of sophistication to any indoor or outdoor space. By understanding their similarities and differences in appearance, ease of growth, and blooming characteristics, you can choose the right plant to suit your preferences and environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

King of Spades vs Ace of Spades difference

The main difference between the Anthurium King of Spades and the Ace of Spades lies in their leaf texture and appearance. The King of Spades plant has large, green, heart-shaped leaves with a glossy sheen, while the Ace of Spades plant has dark, velvety leaves with silver-white venation 1.

Care requirements comparison

Both Anthurium King of Spades and Ace of Spades require similar care. They thrive in well-drained soil with coarse textures, which allows for water and air circulation2. The ideal temperature range for these plants is 64 to 79ºF3. To keep them healthy, maintain constant moisture (without soaking). It’s also important to provide these plants with bright, indirect sunlight5.

Pricing of both varieties

The pricing of Anthurium King and Ace of Spades may vary from one nursery to another. Popular sites typically have these plants starting around $30, but rare specimens might be more expensive.

Hybrids involving King of Spades

Though there are numerous Anthurium hybrids, at the moment, there seems to be no specific information available on those that involve the King of Spades. However, tropical plant enthusiasts often experiment with various hybrids, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential new combinations.

Dark form of Ace of Spades

The dark form of the Anthurium Ace of Spades is characterized by its stunning, deep green velvety leaves with silver-white venation4. The contrasting colors create a captivating display and make this variety a favorite among houseplant collectors.

Origin of Ace of Spades variety

The Anthurium Ace of Spades is an evergreen hybrid from the Araceae family6. Although the exact origin of this variety is unclear, it’s known to be a rare and exotic species, making it highly sought after among Anthurium enthusiasts.

Footnotes

  1. https://www.gardenlively.com/anthurium-king-of-spades/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
  2. https://gardeningit.com/anthurium-ace-of-spades/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
  3. https://plantly.io/plant-care/anthurium-ace-of-spades ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqZSPwwTpzg ↩ ↩2
  5. https://www.foliage-factory.com/anthurium-king-of-spades-anthurium-hu ↩ ↩2
  6. https://gardeningit.com/anthurium-ace-of-spades/ ↩

Helpful Video